Home Resources Music studio recording equipment | RECOMMENDATIONS!

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Hey there friend and Welcome aboard!

I just wanted to share with you guys some of my music studio recording equipment recommendations. These are some tried and true options that have worked for me in the past, as well as right now! A lot of this stuff I am using in my own studio as we speak.

As you know, I am a beat maker and have been sl0wly upgrading my gear over the years. When I first started out, I had some Logitech speakers, a KORG padKONTROL (which is still amazing), a useless keyboard that I couldn’t record with, and an M-Audio Fast Track Pro (a decent interface, but there are much better options out there). See my review of the Scarlett 2i2!!

I also had a cheap pair of Sony’s and a dream.

My dream was to one day have a real home studio with some cool equipment. A lab with some quality gear in it. It’s funny looking back, I have achieved that dream, although I’m still always trying to progress as a producer, musician, and artist.

So, what the heck do I need man? Glad you asked..

1) The DAW

which is..

  • Your CPU
  • Your Audio Interface
  • Your Recording software

You can read my diatribe about CPU specifications here, but generally you want to have a unit that can withstand the rigors of producing, editing, and recording music. 8 GB of RAM, plenty of hard drive space, and a good core processor are all mandatory. More than likely the computer you have now will suffice for the job. SO DON’T FRET THERE CHAMP! 😀

Your Audio Interface

Chillin’ in studio 🙂

A great interface that I would highly recommend when starting out is the Scarlett 2i2. It’s ease of use, functionality, and price point make it an excellent starter interface. You can hook up a mic and/or power your monitors, and it’s got a great set of knobs with a convenient headphone jack. Monitoring your mix becomes super easy, plus it looks great in studio. What does an audio interface do?

Recording software

This is more of a personal preference type of thing. If you’re sequencing beats, Propellerhead’s Reason or Image Line’s FL Studio are great choices. If you are laying down vocals, Steinberg’s Nuendo has always worked for me. Audacity is also a great free option if you just want to get your feet wet. There’s so many options out there (almost too many) and to me, one program isn’t specifically “better” than another. It all comes down to how you use it.

2) The Microphone

Success.

This is the most important part, right? Without a mic you can’t yell at people, and therefore you become unhappy and stressed because you can’t let it all out. 😛

I’m here to remedy the problem. A great mic when starting out is the Samson C01.

It’s a great option if you are new to home recording and want to get your feet wet. With a solid build quality and some of the clearest sounding vocals, you can’t really go wrong!

3) Wiring

You’re going to need the right wiring or you won’t be able to hear JACK. SQUAT. (imagine Chris Farley’s character “Matt Foley” from SNL just said that)

Go here for a more in depth description of all your basic wiring needs!

4) Headphones

You’re definitely going to want a pair of good monitor headphones. This is the most exciting component of the studio in my opinion. There’s something about a good set of cans that just really pumps my nads. (Haha Breakfast Club anyone?) See I’m just full of movie references! 😀

I recommend the Audio Technica ATH-M50’s.

5) Studio Monitors

When you start to get a little more serious about your mixes, that’s when these bad boys come into play. I recommend NOT waiting years to pick up a pair like I did. I’m sure my progression rate could have been light years faster had I just bit the bullet in the beginning. (3 b’s). BITE THE BULLET IN THE BEGINNING, you will thank me later. What are studio monitors?

A good option you ask? The JBL LSR305’s for certain. A great starter option that won’t break the bank. Plus they get amazing reviews.

 6) Turntable

Going strong since 2014!

If you’re a sample based producer like me (or just an audio enthusiast in general), you may want to invest in a USB turntable. I purchased the Audio Technica AT LP60 last year, and I couldn’t be happier. It’s just an all around solid and reliable work horse, and very easy to set up!

7) MIDI controller

You want to be able to pound some pads right? Check out my review of two really great options (one of which I’ve had since 2007). You really can’t go wrong in picking up either of these affordable beasts. What is MIDI?

Well that’s about it folks!!

I had a white one from 2007 that lasted until 2015. It still worked but the knob got damaged on an intercontinental flight.

Setting up your home studio doesn’t have to be that difficult. It doesn’t have to break the bank and put a dent into your hopes and dreams. This stuff has gotten a lot more affordable over the years, and now the majority of companies are consistently putting out quality products for us noobs.

It’s really a breath of fresh air to know that if you want to buy something, chances are you can get it at a relatively great price.

Check out my more in depth guide on how to build a home studio!!

If you guys have any other specific questions or comments on music studio home recording equipment, please leave them down below or Contact me. I very much look forward to speaking with you..

All the best and God bless,

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

Be sure to check out my Reviews and Resources page for more helpful and informative articles!

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12 comments

Thomas Gormley February 17, 2015 - 7:50 pm

Great site and text good articles just one thing I found it hard to see some of your images they seem a bit dark. maybe that is what you intended but a brilliant job well done.

Reply
Stu February 17, 2015 - 7:52 pm

Do you mean the images on the home studio basics tab? I hope so because the others are from my Nikon D3200 lol. let me know.. I think you meant the phone pics.
Thanks for the comment and for dropping by!
-Stu

Reply
Hammer Stern February 17, 2015 - 8:01 pm

Great website! I like your friendly writing style and easy to follow instructions. Keep up the good work.

Reply
Stu February 17, 2015 - 8:08 pm

Thanks man, glad to hear from you! Please keep visiting my site as I’m always updating it.
-Stu

Reply
Sheridan Eyler February 17, 2015 - 9:10 pm

Your writing style is great! It’s conversational and engaging, and it kept me interested in something that I normally wouldn’t spend much time on.. =)

Reply
Stu February 17, 2015 - 9:12 pm

Thanks for stopping by Sheridan! I appreciate your comment!
-Stu

Reply
Nicole February 18, 2015 - 1:49 am

Great article! I really like the way you write, I feel like I got a clear sense of your personality and your passion. I have a couple of friends who have home studios and it’s nice to see people sharing their knowledge and helping others 🙂 great post!

Reply
Stu February 18, 2015 - 2:08 am

Thanks Nicole for dropping by! I really am passionate about music and beats, and try to just let it flow when I write. I’m really glad you noticed..
Keep in touch..
-Stu

Reply
tinnakon February 18, 2015 - 7:49 am

Hi Stu I am interested in music recorder equipment, my purpose is to use it to record my guitar solo and upload it to Youtube. I plan to bur Tascam series such as DR-05 for instance. But when I see your website I think there is more things than I expect and I need more time to study this to find the right budget for myself.

Reply
Stu February 18, 2015 - 4:00 pm

Hey tinnakon, check out my page about audio interfaces. You can record your guitar pretty easily! There’s really 3 options:
-mic up an amp
-just mic your guitar
-use a direct box

Reply
Carmine May 17, 2017 - 5:07 pm

Good studio monitors will make or break a set up

Reply
Stu May 20, 2017 - 4:32 pm

Yes indeed Carmine! Thank you for stopping by..

Reply

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